Volleyball Knee Pads

Last checked: October 2026. Models change every year or two, and older versions are often discounted and still good.

Price tiers compare models within this page: Budget = among the cheapest real options, Mid-range = typical club-player price, Premium = top-of-range models. Actual prices vary a lot by country and retailer.

Knee pads protect your knees when you dig, dive or slide on a hard indoor court. Most beginners should wear them. Size them by measuring around the middle of your knee, not by age, and choose thicker, longer pads if you play defense and spend a lot of time on the floor.

Health note: General information, not medical advice. Young athletes should train under a qualified coach, and anyone with pain or an injury should see a doctor or physical therapist.

Units
Size by
Knee circumference
Thin pads
Front row, hitters
Thick/long pads
Liberos, defenders
Beach
Not worn

Quick comparison

Model Best for Level Price tier Notes
Mizuno LR6 Hitters, setters, minimal bulk All levels Budget Short, low-profile sleeve; runs small
Nike Streak All-round team players All levels Budget Paired sizes; runs small
Nike Dri-FIT Essential Beginners and recreational players Beginner Budget Thinner than Nike's other pads
ASICS Gel-Rally Beginners and youth on a budget Beginner Budget Only two sizes
McDavid HEX (6440) Snug compression-sleeve style All levels Budget Machine washable and dryable
Under Armour Armour 3 (and Armour 3 Long) Defenders who want more coverage (Long) All levels Budget–Mid-range Long version extends further down the shin

How to choose

  • Measure your knee. Wrap a tape measure around the middle of the knee and use the brand's chart. Many popular pads run small, so if you're between sizes, size up.
  • Low-profile or thick? Thin, low-profile pads are cooler and move better. Thicker pads cushion more for players who go to the floor a lot.
  • Sleeve length. Short sleeves suit players who stay upright. Longer sleeves cover more of the shin for sliding defenders.
  • Fit check. The pad should stay put when you squat and slide, without pinching behind the knee.
  • Care. Wash gently in cold water and air-dry; heat breaks down foam and elastic. Some brands (e.g. McDavid HEX) allow machine drying, so check the label.
  • Rules. Volleyball rules allow padded protection devices like knee pads.

Our picks

Mizuno LR6

  • All levels
  • Budget

Best for: hitters, setters and players who want minimal bulk.

What stands out

  • Short (about 17 cm) low-profile sleeve
  • Foam covers the kneecap and both sides of the knee
  • Sizes S/M/L by knee circumference

Watch out for: runs small, with less shin coverage.

Nike Streak

  • All levels
  • Budget

Best for: all-round team players.

What stands out

  • Contoured foam pad, moisture-wicking sleeve
  • Paired sizes (XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL); youth version available

Watch out for: paired sizes, and Nike pads run small.

ASICS Gel-Rally

  • Beginner
  • Budget

Best for: beginners and youth on a budget.

What stands out

  • ASICS GEL cushioning, low-profile knit sleeve
  • Youth version available

Watch out for: only two sizes, so the fit is less precise.

Under Armour Armour 3 (and Armour 3 Long)

  • All levels
  • Budget–Mid-range

Best for: defenders who want more coverage (Long).

What stands out

  • Dual-density foam, hinged pad shape; the Long version extends further down the shin

Pads don't replace technique

As you improve, you'll learn to go to the floor by rolling or sliding on your side, forearms and chest instead of dropping onto your kneecaps. Pads protect you while you learn; good technique protects you for good. See Digging.

To practice going to the floor safely, see Dive and Sprawl. Liberos and defenders: see Libero.

Video: how to choose

Frequently asked questions

Do you need knee pads for volleyball?

Indoors, most players should wear them, especially beginners who are still learning to dig and dive. Beach players don't wear knee pads.

How should volleyball knee pads fit?

Snug enough to stay in place when you squat and slide, but not tight behind the knee. Measure around the middle of your knee and follow the brand's size chart; many pads run small.

Thin or thick knee pads?

Thin, low-profile pads suit front-row players and anyone who wants freedom of movement. Thicker, longer pads suit liberos and defenders who are on the floor a lot.

How do you wash knee pads?

Gently, in cold water, then air-dry. Heat damages foam and elastic. Check the label, because a few brands allow machine drying.